Bio:

Vadim was born in Varisia, the result of a brief union between a wandering bard and the charming Szarni elf who took his fancy . . . or perhaps the minstrel took the gypsy’s fancy, who can tell? In any case, their child proved to be beautiful, intelligent and precocious; it was plain to all who encountered young Vadim that he inherited the best of both of his parents.

As he grew to manhood, Vadim’s natural curiosity dovetailed with his interest in the history of Varisia and it’s neighbor, Ustalav. He began a lifelong study of the two cultures, of their conflict and influence on each other. Eventually, his studies brought him into contact with the famed scholar, Petros Lorrimor. He made contact with the Professor, and over the course of the next several years Vadim and Professor Lorrimor struck up a longstanding friendship. Correspondence by letter and occasional personal visits formed a bond between the two; the Professor’s knowledge enhanced Vadim’s, and his reputation earned the young half-elf a few guest lecturing posts at institutes of learning in Cheliax, Taldor and even Absalom.

During one of their personal visits – actually a joint venture to explore the ruins of a crypt in Ustalav – Vadim became the instrument of the aging Professor’s continued existence. Lorrimor, no longer as spry as he once was, had insisted that the two of them push on in spite of the fact that they’d been going without significant rest for two days. His exhaustion caused him to miss the trigger of a deadly poison dart trap; however, the now seasoned Vadim was quicker to react. His diving tackle broke Lorrimor’s arm and put an end to that particular foray – after a harrowing escape through the rugged Hungry Mountains – but also saved the man’s life. The end of that adventure was also the last time young Vadim saw the Professor alive . . .